Category Archives: Holidays

The Benefits of Homemade Coldpressed Drinks this Winter.

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Hello Y’all! Welcome to a new month and the second-to-last month of the year. As the weather cools, the flu, along with every other bug, becomes rampant. Avoiding getting sick during the winter is the best thing one can do because not only will it be miserable outside, you will be miserable on the inside, coupled with still having to do daily activities and get stuff done.

If you’re in the States and keeping abreast with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) overhaul, you would realize that a lot of our processed drinks contain ingredients that are not only harmful to our health but also have limited to no nutrients and predominantly artificial sugars. It’s widely known that some of the ingredients in our foods have been banned in Europe and are not included in food processing activities. The result of this is the fact that we Americans have the highest obesity rate in the world as of 2022, with approximately 41.92% of men and 43.8% of women. Need I say more?

In an attempt to have a healthier option than soda with zero calories or fruit juice with reportedly ‘no sugar’ but has a saccharine sweetness that tastes sweeter than honey, I started researching alternatives. One thing I learned was that when making regular juice, it doesn’t keep as long, but a better option is cold-pressed juices, which keep longer in your refrigerator. In my case, they last about 7 days. Now, I am not sure as to why, but there is a science behind it, and that’s a blog for another day.

Yes, they quench your thirst but expand your waistline over time….unfortunately :/

And so, about 2 years ago, I purchased a cold press juicer and began experimenting with making juices with fruit and roots that my body needed. I usually have from two to four ingredients in any given batch, with ginger being the non-negotiable and always included in ALL juice batches. Other ingredients are pineapples, celery, apples, turmeric, and lemons. These fruits and roots contain everything from anti-inflammatory benefits, digestive enzymes, fiber, antioxidants, immune boosters, anti-nausea, weight loss, fat burning, cholesterol, and blood sugar-lowering properties, just to mention a few. These are my preferences. Another fun fact is the husk from the press can be used as compost for your garden…if you have one.

Putting on my elder-type glasses literally, let me share, according to AI, some of the benefits of cold-pressed juices.

  • Detoxification
  • Boosting immunity
  • Nutrient absorption
  • Weight management
  • Improved digestion
  • Clearer skin
  • Mental clarity
  • Reduced cravings
  • Stabilize Insulin levels
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Anti-aging
  • Mood enhancement
  • Hydration.

Now, I’m not saying I’ve been completely weaned off sodas, but I have drastically reduced my intake, and we no longer purchase soda at home anymore. It’s all about tweaks without any drastic changes that cannot be sustained. So, with this being said, If you’re interested in getting started with a cold-pressed juicer, there are a few good options on the market, and I’ll be sharing the exact one I use as well, and they include brands like Aietto, Ninja Neverclog, Tinana cold press juicer, and Kitchen in the Box. As you swap out your wardrobe for layers and warmer clothing, remember to boost your immune system and keep it healthy against all the bugs and viruses common at this time of year. Until I come your way again, be safe, healthy, like, follow, and comment. I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

Diva on a Budget!

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Hey Y’all! Writing all the way from North Texas. Fall is finally and officially here, and I dare say that we can now begin swapping out our Summer gear for Wintry layers. It’s been a busy Summer, and I feel it’s going to get even busier when the holiday festivities begin rolling by. This post, I feel, is very crucial not just because of the economic climate we’re in at the moment, especially with the shutdown, but it is vital for us girlies and even gents as another tool in our bag of golden nuggets to be smart with our hard-earned currency. Fashion is forever evolving, and being able to stay current but within budget is the key.

As a Diva on a budget, the goal is to get the most bang for your buck, and that includes maximizing savings on certain items so we can invest in other items. So if you’re home or out and about, find a comfortable chair, grab a drink or snack, and let’s dive in. If you’re new to Periwinkle Starr, you’re most welcome. Please like, comment, and follow to stay up to date with me whenever I post a new blog.

Now, we all love deals and quality at the same time, and sometimes you literally have to ‘rob Peter to pay Paul’ just to get by. But what if I tell you that there is a better way around it, because I have a few options that I’m going to share with you today. These options will help you save on costs in certain areas and free up some cash to invest in other areas.

Facials at Home. Being busy and on the go, it’s not uncommon to opt for facials at spas because I didn’t have the time. But I got wiser and shopped around until I found an at-home facial kit, which has saved on costs ever since. I haven’t looked back, and I don’t have to worry about scheduling appointments or getting a particular esthetician for an appointment. P.S.: If certain procedures require a registered esthetician, then the goal is to find discounts or bundles to keep costs down.

Home facials give you the luxury of time to relax and just enjoy it.

Do Your Own Manicures & Pedicures. I know, I know, this is what some of us term our me-time. But getting these done as often as once every three weeks or once a month or every couple of months adds up over time. Learning to do your own manis and pedis saves you money that can be used for other ventures.

Learning to do your own nails is a great way to save on cost!

Opt for Ombre Brows Instead. Many women spend time and money getting their eyebrows waxed or threaded every two weeks. A better and more cost-effective option is to opt for ombre brows, which are a temporary tattoo outline that lasts anywhere from 2 to 6 years with very low maintenance on your part. You wake up looking ready to go, even without makeup.

Skincare & Accessories. Not sacrificing quality for quantity, I tend to buy items when there are deals. Always on the lookout for discounts and coupons to lower costs, but also buying in bulk is cheaper long-term. With savings from the above-mentioned items, it leaves more room to invest in great products that not only nourish our skin but also protect it from all the undesirables.

Clothing & Quality Pieces. If you love fashion but are on a budget, you know there are ways to shop where you can learn to scour the world wide web for affordable designers, keep abreast of upcoming or ongoing sales, and not being afraid to spend time searching until you find what you want at the right price. And yes, to always be on the lookout for a good deal. Now, certain items are keepsakes, and splurging on those is considered by some to be an investment, which is also a great idea.

Shopping for the right pieces takes time…..so don’t rush it.

Don’t Waste. I try to use up products that I’ve purchased in the past and throw out items that are expired. The goal is to reduce waste. Also, reselling items that I don’t plan to use or regifting them are ways to be a good steward.

Folks, you can be fabulous and on a budget without breaking the bank or going into debt. The key is finding ways to be creative, most especially with us ladies who need our beauty regimens to maintain ourselves. Feel free to share your tips on how you stay fabulous on a budget. Your comments are always appreciated. Until I come your merry way again, have a great week ahead, stay warm, and be kind!

Periwinkle Starr

Touring The Deerfield Christmas Lights

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Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. It’s Christmas Eve in North Texas, and we have had the most odd weather I have seen in a very long time. The temperature is 61 F, and we have thunderstorms and warmth which doesn’t sit right with me. I had the pleasure of visiting the Deerfield Christmas Lights which is a beautiful estate filled with very expensive homes. From what I learned, every Christmas, they go all out…and I mean all out decorating the exterior so much so that people come from all over the metroplex to admire and walk the neighborhood just to get a glimpse of the decor. All this in my very own backyard and I had no clue. The houses were picturesque! So beautifully decorated, it felt like a magic Christmas wonderland. I walked for almost two hours just admiring the lights, the details, the funny themes and taking pictures. One house took the cake in my opinion. I mean, it had EVERYTHING from Santa’s toy shop, trains with real steam, a ferris wheel, an elf disco floor, reindeer, a donkey with a saddle you could pose for pictures on and so much I couldn’t imagine how much it costs to set it all up.

Thankfully, the weather was nice enough to walk because the lineup of cars that we saw meant some of those folks would be there for a minimum of three hours just trying to get to all the houses bumper to bumper. It brought so much joy to me on what the season is all about and the privilege of living in a country where we are free to enjoy and celebrate our beliefs without fear or retribution.

And so, wherever you are in the world, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and no matter what circumstance you’re going through, It can get better and if you do your part, it will. Be thankful, be hopeful, take action, don’t dwell on fear, and look forward to the future. Until I come your way again in 2025, I remain

Periwinkle Starr

Holiday Cheer….and Fun Presents!

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Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. It’s once again the most wonderful time of the year, and yours truly is just now being able to slow down and take a good break. I started this post multiple times but couldn’t bring it to the finish line, but here I am, and I appreciate your patience with me. I sincerely believe that 2025 will be a more consistent year, and yes, I know I have said that before, but I think this time is different. For the first time in a long time, I have been able to keep all my plants alive, explore my city a little more and in more ways than one, and intentionally make attempts to enrich my life and relationships. Breaking out of set patterns is very much needed and having new experiences whether it be travel or learning is always a good idea. The Year 2024 was a year of change, new growth, and redirection. There was so much exposure and if you live in the States or access the internet, you know what I mean. We had an election, and now we are just grateful to wind down into Christmas without any more unwanted surprises.

Wrapping Christmas Presents…Is there a Science Behind It?

So it’s 10 days before Christmas and I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Gifting presents to loved ones during the holidays is the norm, especially in the Western world and presentation is of the uttermost importance. The skill of wrapping in my opinion is a god-given trait because some people are great at it while others entirely suck….and I mean very badly. That gift has never been a trait of mine and I tell you this because as far back as I can remember, my presents were always outstanding because they were the most poorly wrapped in the group. What can I say, I was somewhere else when everyone was handed these innate skills. But alas, I am not alone! A friend of mine and I recently discovered we were more of bag and tissue gift-givers which was funny especially when we traded horror stories. In my mind friends, it’s the thought that counts. Now if you aren’t as em…..gifted and would like to do a better job at wrapping, please look up the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ik_yEXHUlg As for yours truly, I think tissue and bags will remain my saving grace.

Have You Made Your Lists Yet?

Now I’m not referring to Santa’s Naughty or Nice list. At the end of each year, I love to make two lists. These include things I set out to do versus what I actually did AND a list of things that I did and how I could improve. If you’re a very busy person or feel like you cannot get caught up on tasks, having a list is the game changer. And if you, like me tend to procrastinate especially when you have extra time, then this simple solution will get you happily productive in zero time. Coming from an old school of thought, actually writing down and crossing things off a list is more my thing.

Folks, it’s been a great year with its highs, some lows, and everything in between. From Periwinkle Starr, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I have included a few random photographs which include everything from soups, a view of the reunion tower, my most recent gluten-free bread recipe, a delicate slice of cheesecake, delicious Thai coconut soup I had somewhere in D.C., and a Christmas tree I found very pretty somewhere in the Downtown Dallas Area.

Until I come your merry way again in the new year, be safe and in good spirits.

Periwinkle Starr

Soups Are In….Happy Thanksgiving!

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Hello Y’all! It’s that time of the year when the Yuletides begin. I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. It’s the eve of Thanksgiving and the streets are packed with people doing their last-minute shopping, and yours truly was one of them but also the Memorial Day of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The temperature has finally dropped and will not go up for a while so we can officially change out our summer gear for Fall and Winter clothing. I’m back to decluttering again and will continue to sift through the house for items that aren’t getting any use and wont in the near future which is fun but also a way to give back to those less fortunate.

The cooler it gets, I yearn more for soups, I feel the need to bake and be a little easy on the diets because I know they won’t make it past the holidays…lol. But as I walked down the aisles of my local grocery store, I couldn’t help but scream internally at the level of inflation we currently have. Food items are double- and in some cases triple the price from just one year ago. THIS IS INSANE! Well, I will be dusting off my cookbooks and begin baking cookies at home. Honestly, it’s cheaper than spending an arm and a leg because quite frankly, the only way to overcome this impending hump of sky-high inflation is to be smarter with money…. but folks, that’s a post for another day.

Soups are in but so is warm, fresh, homemade bread! The beauty about homemade food is it costs less, is more nutritious, you have control over the portions, and you know what the real ingredients and caloric densities are. After scouring the internet for healthy websites, I came across a website called ‘Eat This, Not That’, had a post listing a vast array of healthy soup options and I’ve selected 11 of my favorite recipes and others I’d like to try.

Folks, the holidays are in and all diets are seemingly out…but there are delicious options available and yours truly will be trying each and every one of these recipes. Its been a whirlwind of a year and if you’re reading it, you are still kicking. I am thankful to you for reading my scribbles and wishing you and yours an amazing holiday season ahead. There’s more to come from Periwinkle Starr, so stay tuned, like and follow for more. Until I come your way again, I remain.

Periwinkle Starr

Beautiful Chicago!

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Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. Summer lingers on while Fall attempts to creep in. Nevertheless, we’re not going to let that stop us from living life. Today’s post is a travel blog of sorts with a lot of architectural marvels of …you guessed it – CHICAGO! Often called the windy city or the Midwest hub. If you can think about it, this city has it – from beautiful beaches, freshwater fronts, architectural skylines, parks, museums, boat tours, restaurants, night life and the famous set of the Dark Knight Batman movie amongst many others. In my opinion, I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and the world.

A Little History!

The land belonged to the Pottawatomie Native Americans who first resided there however the city reportedly began in the 17th century with the arrival of Missionaries, French explorers and fur traders and with its first census in 1880, was deemed the largest city in America till this day. The original city burned down in 1871 due to a lady named Catherine O’Leary whose cow kicked a bucket that started a fire that razed the then predominantly wood framed city to the ground. After this horrendous incident, the city began its rebuild using sturdier and more durable materials. Like every major city in America, it’s had its past being one of the centers for what we know as the ‘Retail Kings’ in America. These were powerful men that formed what we call are favorite franchise stores across the world, but it also served as a hot spot for a lot of the Hollywood legends the likes of Marilyn Monroe.

So Much to Do in the City!

The City of Chicago is a beautiful and great place to visit given its rich history, great food and tons of sights that are worth visiting. With so much to see and very little time, the obvious route was to pick a couple of iconic attractions to visit. These were mine! The city is on three levels…. or elevations. You need to visit to fully grasp what that means.

  1. The Chicago Bean originally named Cloud Gate was designed by an Indian-born British artist and consists of 168 polished steel plates welded together.
  2. The Navy Pier which is a 3300-foot-long pier that sits on the shoreline of Lake Michigan with tons of shops, restaurants, gardens.
  3. The Architectural Boat Tour (Night). If you’re a visual learner, this tour is a quick way to enjoy the rich architecture and history of some amazing buildings while floating along the Chicago River. The night tour is the best in my opinion because you get to enjoy the contrast of the lights from the buildings against the backdrop of the night sky.
  4. Chicago Riverwalk. This is a tiered lower level meant for pedestrians only and has restaurants, shops with views of the water and party boats while the city bustles above.
  5. Chicago Bus Tours. These were great. Grab a jacket and don’t forget to duck when driving through neighborhoods with overhanging tree branches. (http://www.viator.com)
The Chicago Bean
The Navy Pier
Pier meets Lake Michigan
Trump Tower
The cities skyline
Boat Tour Photos

Folks, there was so much to see and so little time. Like any city in America, each has its pros and cons, and the City of Chicago is not exempt. We had a great time and look forward to going back when we get a chance. Getting to see a little bit more of the world around me not only makes me appreciate the history but also how far we have evolved. Until I come your way again, I hope you stay safe and upbeat!

Periwinkle Starr

A Look Back at 2022 – An Epiphany of Sorts.

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Happy Holidays and a belated Merry Christmas to all! I hope you are doing amazingly well in your corner of the world. 2022 is at its end and I am resting my way into 2023 but also taking the time to look back over the last 362 days. Taking time off to rest every now and again is so vital to being fit and healthy. Sometimes we don’t even know how exhausted we are until our body breaks down and we’re bedridden and forced to rest. Anyway, I’m warm and cozy, have my hair in a bun, my snacks nearby and I’m ready to dive into today’s post.

I Had An Epiphany….

I realized that ‘Everything matters’…We are very fond of separating our lives into compartments like work life, relationships, religion, health & fitness, friendships, hobbies etc. But in actual fact, these pieces make up who we are and are intertwined or bleed into every other area no matter how hard we may try to compartmentalize. One area that’s not doing so well affects every other area. ‘Yeah…yeah, we know that already’, I imagine some reader say but take a minute to think it through.

Every step counts. I mean this literally. It’s hard to keep up with a fitness regimen. All the determination in the world will get you nowhere if your body is tired. On days where I can’t drive my tired body to the gym, I can walk through the house, go up and down the stair’s multiple times, do online Zumba, stretch or exercise in place. You’ll still burn calories which is better than not exercising at all.

Hydration is huge part of weight loss. I didn’t know this until a friend of mine who is a fitness buff and competitive lifter shared this with me. Being hydrated with WATER removes toxins from your system, aids digestion, reduces constipation, and improves your skin, brain function and overall health. When I hear medical professionals tell the public to drink 8 glasses of water a day, I roll my eyes because no one and I mean NO ONE is drinking that much water…its soo boring especially when you have zero calorie diet drinks and everything else out there. I know I wasn’t. But to get there, start by buying a half gallon water bottle. It doesn’t feel like that many glasses but trust me that I exceed this quantity in water intake these days. This water bottle changed my life and I know it can change yours.

Sleep is important. If you’re always on the go during a typical work week, take one day on the weekend to sleep, rest, relax and let your body recharge. When you rest, your cortisol levels come down, this signals to your body that you can relax; stress reduces and the craving for salty and sweet snacks go down. Its literally a domino effect. If you have a bad or poor sleep routine, it’s only a matter of time before it begins to take its toll on your life.

Procrastination has an effect on weight loss. Quit telling yourself that you will start tomorrow. You would start walking, start dieting, sign up for a gym membership, join a fitness group, sign up for a personal trainer…..you get the gist. START NOW! Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Opt for a low calorie dressing on your salad instead a high carb option. Opt for a healthy midnight snack or pass on a second serving at meals. What really matters are the baby steps.

You can’t do it alone. There is that 1% of individuals who lose ALL their weight in their basement while livestreaming on YouTube. Well, I hate to break it to you, but those individuals are far and in between. The rest of us who are the 99% need to have a support system, people with similar goals, text groups and accountability partners to motivate us on our down and lazy days. Now, if you aren’t sure where to find ‘those’ people, start with your circle. Find out from friends, neighbors and ask if they’re interested in starting for example a mall walking group, joining a class etc. If that isn’t successful, you can find fitness groups online via social media. There are no excuses. There is a group for everyone out there.

Little Habits = Big Results. Friends, if you’ve been with me on this journey for a couple of years now, you’d notice that I’m very skeptical about instant results especially when it comes to diet, health and weight loss. Not only does it take a toll on your body, but your brain hasn’t had enough time to master or take on new habits. Anything too fast or hastily done in my opinion isn’t sustainable. Start by tweaking the little things and slowly override the old you with who you want to become by imbibing new habits and better lifestyle choices.

2022 has been a good year. Life is seemingly back to ‘normal’. To all the readers of Periwinkle Starr, thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you for the likes, comments and follows. The new year will be even better. Until I come your way again, be safe, upbeat and have a Happy and Amazing New Year!

Periwinkle Starr

(P.S. All photos are culled from the internet).

Miami in the Summer!

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Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your part of the world. As promised, I’m back with another post all the way from North Texas. As is the norm, we had 3-digit temperatures a couple of weeks back so being able to get away for a while was a relief. We were in Miami!!! One of the things I was excited about was the fact I would be out of the oven and in proximity to huge ‘natural’ bodies of water, and lots of negative ions; not the artificial water holes and fake lakes we have in my part of Texas. When it comes to vacations, it’s so easy to want to jet off somewhere FOREIGN but I feel like there is so much more to see and to experience in my own backyard that I had not really appreciated before now. These are some of the things I noticed on my trip to Miami, Florida so stay with me.

The Sun Shines Differently. Something about the sky and the sun is so different from North Texas. No matter how much sunscreen or hats you wear, you will be tanned…. disproportionately if I might add. 😂😂

It’s So Tropical. The palm trees, lush vegetation, greenery everywhere is so calming and gives me that sense of being closer to nature. If you build plant it, it will grow is my new motto for Miami.

A plethora of Beaches to choose from. There are many beaches there, but South Miami beach was the nicest…in my opinion. There was washed up sea moss and seashells on the shore. Getting waist deep into the waves, I could see small fishes probably eating the plankton off the moss. The water was so salty it stung a bit the first couple times I got in the water. However, it felt so rejuvenating.

The food is GREAT! No matter where we went, what kind of food we ate ex. Cuban, Asian, Vegan, American, Italian, the food was amazing and always served hot…and I mean with steam emanating out of it. This happened everywhere we ate so I guess it’s a ‘thing’ in Miami.

Floridians Appear to be More Fit than most. I saw less heavy-set people in Miami, and I got to thinking, we do love our cars, meat and potatoes in Texas. So…..it’s to be expected.

Downtown is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I love architecture so being Downtown in the middle of the action was a must. There are boat tours especially in the Miami Circle area Downtown. Nice restaurants overlooking the water and that fresh ocean breeze.

Some Things to Be Aware of in Miami.

Finding Parking is a Bear. A stranded hiker in the mountains has more luck finding cell service than it is to find parking especially in the downtown area. Hope on your luck or leave the day before…lol. Just kidding. But the city never sleeps so uber or taxi your way when you’re in the dense downtown area or bite the bullet and pay the price for parking. We literally had to download parking apps to pay for parking while we were there.

It’s Pretty Pricy. Being a tourist City, it does get expensive.

The lizards. We were near the coast and there were these Iguana lizards that would sometimes run when they see you or just stand really still and watch you. Some were the sizes of designer dogs…I kid you not – we were told they were harmless and would only bite when threatened. ‘Bite you say?’ was my response. ‘No hablas iguanas’ was my best Spanish phrase for I don’t do Iguana’s.

Huge Snakes. They have issues of invasive python species especially if you reside in the sub urban areas or everglades. These reptiles were brought over as exotic pets from Asia and Africa. These have somehow infiltrated the wild, are breeding like crazy and are now leaving the swamps and moving into the city in search of food.

Alligator’s that can turn doorknobs of people’s homes and scale fences…and I’m not kidding. I literally fell out of my chair when I saw a video clip but it’s true. People fence their pools and cover the top with a cage of sorts because you may want to take a nice evening swim and find a 12-foot gator or python enjoying the comforts of your backyard.

Lower Temperatures, Higher Humidity. Being one to whine about the weather ALL – THE – TIME, the humidity was obviously high-er. Wearing light clothing especially cotton serves as a wick to cool you down faster as opposed to other fabrics. While enjoying my newfound freedom, my hair did frizz, become poofy and stick to my skin. But it didn’t bother me much. I was just happy to be there.

Well, folks I was glad to be a pseudo tourist for a few days in Miami but happier to be back home. Like me, try to get out of your usual regimen and explore some of the jewels in your own backyard. Your likes, comments and follows are always welcome. Be safe, stay healthy and optimistic. Until I come your way again, I remain,

Periwinkle Starr 💕

Summer Vacation Aftermath!

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Hello Y’all! It sure feels great to be back with another post. I hope you are doing well in your corner of the globe. I just got back from a much needed and well-deserved vacation, and I made a vow to myself to not ever go for long periods without actually taking the time to pack my bags and go SOMEWHERE, because stay-cations don’t cut it anymore. I turned off my phone and didn’t give a thought to work all the while I was gone. I did glance at my emails every now and then to make sure no one was harming themselves or getting into any crazy mischief while I was gone…Ha ha! Buy yes, its so nice to come to you with another post. Its amazing how getting time off to rest does wonders for every part of my being.

Vacations for me mean that ALL diets are off or in some way reduced to the barest medium. One thing I did as soon as I returned was to take a dose of a gentle laxative to clear my gut of any and all the junk I ingested,….in many ways, giving my digestion somewhat of a fresh start. Also drinking a lot of fresh clean water to rehydrate my body is something I’m incorporating.

Staying Focused and Loving Every Moment of It.

Culled from the internet

Some of the things I am incorporating post vacation have been helpful to me and my hope is that it helps someone else enjoy their time off without guilt but also get back in the saddle when they return home.

Big Volume, Low Carb Foods. The list is long and instead of just listing the foods on here, I’m including links to some of the youtubers that have been tremendously helpful in steering me in the right direction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIOk6o5_xS8; and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvaJfRtrJxg

Walk at least 10,000 steps a day. You can build up your resistance to do more. In my case, doing one loop around my favorite trail gets me 5000 steps so my goal is to do two loops and try to build my stamina as I go. It’s so hot in North Texas this period, my plan is to walk indoors…..instead of burning in the heat.

Don’t Deprive Yourself. Find healthy alternatives for the treats you love. I recently found a GF chocolate cookie mix and I’m going to try it out.

Try Dry Packaged Soup Mixes. These are not only healthy for you, but they are easy to make and keep you full for longer while supporting your weight loss goals.

Never Compromise on Sleep. People gain weight when they are stressed. Cortisol levels rise and the body goes into hibernation mode. This stems from the early man having to weather all kinds of hardships to survive – like harsh winters, famine and only God knows what…maybe fighting off dinosaurs? LOL! At least 7 to 8 hours will do great for your body, your mind and your emotions. If you can’t afford to sleep that long, consider taking short 30 minute to an hour-long nap during the day. That will help tremendously.

Get Your Fiber Intake Up. A diet rich in fiber helps with weight loss and an overall balanced diet. The times I’ve seen myself pack on the pounds was when I was eating a lot of high carbs, starchy and sweet foods. Fiber helps speed up your weight loss.

Stay Positive. You are what you think and if you believe you can, you will. Real and healthy weight loss takes time and is not a quick fix. It slowly gives your body time to adjust instead of the shock the body receives when you cut corners. Unless its life threatening, I’m really concerned about surgeries, or those trips people make to developing countries to get all kinds of procedures done.

Having Courage to Deal with Emotional Baggage. Sometimes, weight gain may be due to natural causes – a slow metabolism, thyroid issues or more. Other times, it could be due to an unresolved issue that triggers incessant snacking, binge eating or not eating at all. Doing the best to face up to any emotional issues clears me of any reasons I have to not lose weight or maintain a healthy body and instead focus my attention on resolving any medical issues or underlying conditions.

Folks, it’s so nice to be back home and writing again. Please like, comment and follow. Until I come your merry way again, I remain

Periwinkle Starr

Its Christmas!!!… Don’t Fall Off The Wagon.

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Merry Christmas Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your part of the world. Texas is having the warmest winter on record this year and it hasn’t frozen over as we expected. Not sure if I like it or not but that’s okay. I have wanted to write this post for a while now but just wasn’t settled enough to do it. I have been resting and recovering from the year we just had. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and has aways been for me, but this year is a little different but I’m so thankful. My neighborhood has an annual Christmas decor competition, and the winner is usually the most decked out house. As much as I love admiring decor, if it needs a ladder, drills or nails, I’d rather not be the one doing any of that. After donating my old tree to a family that I felt would better appreciate it, I went a non-traditional route and got a spiral Christmas tree, and I absolutely love it.

It’s the holidays! I know but nevertheless, I’m still doing my best to keep my routine going and not just letting it ALL go…because it may be too hard to kickstart it in the new year. LOL! Here are some of the things I’ve been doing to maintain and improve on during the holiday period.

Culled from the internet.

Staying Hydrated. Being home and not on the go coupled with having so many drink options, it’s easy to forget to hydrate my body because I don’t feel or get thirsty. But making a mental note to drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water every day has been my goal.

Rejuvenate your skin. Waking up and dashing to work or getting home and barely making it through my exercise class doesn’t give any room to really cleanse and pamper my skin as I should. But now that we’re home, dry brushing, Epsom salt soaks, sugar scrubs and pampering my skin is necessary for it to retain its youth and elasticity.

Apply detox foot pads while you sleep. A lot of people have said that detox foot pads are a hoax or that they’re fake. Well, I have used detox foot pads for almost a decade, and they WORK! My sleep is better, I feel refreshed, and my energy levels are up. I feel like people should try good brand names for great results…Try it and thank me later.

Get unlimited at-home facials. It doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or a gal. Now is the time to slow down and really take care of your face. Everyone has a routine or regimen that they follow and now is the time to slow down and follow it instead of just barely wiping your makeup off before jumping into bed. Cleanse, exfoliate, scrub, hydrate, moisturize and spot treat. Remember, your face tells a lot about you before you open your mouth.

Rest. This is when you have earned the right to be a couch potato…and a happy one at best. Rest, relax and give your brain some timeout to just do nothing. Watching garbage TV aka Real housewives are my go-to because I need only two braincells to be entertained when I watch reality TV.

Cut back on excessive stimulants. Your liver will thank you for it. I sat with a doctor friend of mine who intimated me on the rise of health issues because of stimulants; be it drinks or medication. Moderation is the key but if you have to binge during the festivities, have your cleanse or detox lined up afterwards. In Hollywood, people have parties and then have detox sessions afterwards where they get IVs with vitamin supplements to cleanse or repair whatever damage they may have caused internally. I know this sounds extreme but that should tell you something about stimulants and toxins and what they do to our internal organs.

Folks, it’s so good to write again. I hope you get to rest, reflect and enjoy your families this season. From my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and an amazing new year ahead. Until I come your way again, I remain

Periwinkle Starr